As of April 1, 2026, employers submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application for low-wage positions must:
- advertise the job offer for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks in the three months before submitting the application, and
- target youth in recruitment efforts.
As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requirements, employers must conduct reasonable efforts to hire and train Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a Temporary Foreign Worker.
Effective April 1, 2026, employers must ensure that the job advertisement:
- has occurred in the three months prior to submitting the LMIA application
- is for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks within the three months prior to submitting an LMIA application
At least one of the three recruitment activities to seek qualified Canadians and permanent residents must be ongoing until the date a positive or negative LMIA has been issued.
Employers must also demonstrate that at least one of the three recruitment activities they have made aims to reach and encourage youth to apply for the job. This can include:
- posting on Job Bank (youth section) and youth job boards,
- working with schools or colleges,
- participating in youth employment programs, or
- using other platforms popular with youth.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.